I'd had good info that the Smoothhounds were being caught by the boats and kayaks just off the Rock Channel and so for the past week I've been building a stock of peeler in readiness. After seeing Greg's post about going over on Thursday thought this would be a good first effort and asked IanK along too.

Thursday

Perfect conditions with a WSW breeze and overcast. The channel was relatively easy to cross and we completed the long walk. Crab baits were launched seawards and it was game on for the new season! Bang! It only took 30 seconds for me and I was into one. I'd forgotten just how strong these fish can be because I was convinced it was a big fish. It however came in at 5lbs 2ozs and I was chuffed to bits.

Greg had caught some codlling and whiting (I think), and Ian soon joined the party with a couple of rays which was good to see. The rain joined us for the rest of the session too.

I also snared a codling and a smoothie pup to complete the session

On the return walk Greg found a plastic container in a pool on the bank, and in his efforts to pull it free his leg sank in the soft sand and he fell in. We love Greg!!

Friday

Ian and I did the walk again.

Today was Ian's turn and he was into a smoothie which gave a good account of itself before being landed. I think it was 6lbs 12ozs?? Ian will correct me if I'm wrong.

He also caught a doggie and another ray but he forgot to take a pic of it!

All I managed was a teabag ray and another couple of codling.

Saturday

Today I teamed up with Joe Neal and we headed over the bank with high hopes. Unfortunately those hopes weren't realised and all that was caught was my smoothie pup.

Great report Richie, it shows that good feeling of making the effort to get out there and then catching what you're after to make it all worthwhile

A couple of enjoyable sessions and the lads in the specimen comp will be pleased to know I threw the biggest Ray back without taking a photo, I even weighed it. just to avoid confusing Shaun my smoothie was 6lb 13oz, Richie laughed at me when I made a note on my phone but being a bit of an anorak and a bit forgetful it does help these days.